The Meaning of Stone Crosses on the Camino

If you are walking the Camino de Santiago through Spain, you will come across strategically placed cruceiros (stone crosses) all over the Galicia’s countryside.

The cruceiros are a beautiful and significant feature of the Camino de Santiago! These stone crosses are usually found along roads and at crossroads, acting as waymarks for pilgrims and holding spiritual and cultural significance for locals. Each one is unique, often decorated with carvings of religious symbols or figures, like Christ on one side and the Virgin Mary on the other. They reflect Galicia’s deep-rooted Christian heritage, marking spots that encourage pilgrims to pause, reflect, and maybe even leave a small offering.

The cruceiros are indeed linked to Galician folklore, particularly to legends like the Santa Compaña (Galician for “Holy Company”), a ghostly procession of souls said to wander the countryside at night.

According to tradition, the Santa Compaña is a spectral procession led by a living person, chosen by fate, who must carry a cross and holy water while the souls silently walk behind them. This haunting phenomenon is believed to be a forewarning of death or a sign of restless spirits seeking salvation.

It is said that cruceiros serve as protective markers against this ghostly procession. Placing these stone crosses at crossroads or paths was thought to confuse the Santa Compaña and prevent the souls from continuing their journey, as they could only follow a straight path.

If you do meet them at a crossroads you should draw a circle on the ground and step inside it to avoid being taken by the group. And never ever accept their candle if they offer it to you or you will be forever wandering Galicia’s country lanes.

If all else fails, to keep you safe from scary spirits along the Camino de Santiago, we recommend you have a sip of Queimada, a traditional drink made from orujo (a strong Galician liquor) mixed with sugar, lemon peel, coffee beans, and sometimes cinnamon. The unique preparation ritual involves setting the drink on fire while reciting an incantation or spell, known as the conxuro da queimada, to ward off evil spirits, witches, and other supernatural entities.

This fiery ritual drink is often enjoyed at social gatherings, with the idea that the flames and the words will “burn away” any lurking spirits or curses, making it a powerful, symbolic act to repel the Santa Compaña and other misfortunes.